Iron Horse is an award-winning, motorcycle-friendly hotel.

Iron Horse Hotel developer and majority owner Tim Dixon must pay a $2.5 million judgment won by the construction firm that built the boutique property, a Milwaukee County judge has ruled. »Read Full Article

While we strive for a lively and vigorous debate of the issues, we do not tolerate name calling, foul language or other inappropriate behavior. Please see our discussion guidelines and terms of use for more information.

While we do our best to moderate comments, we do not screen comments before they are posted. If you see a comment that violates our guidelines, please use the "Report Abuse" link to notify us of the issue.

Well, he signed the loan thinking he would repay much sooner. One has to remember that late 2008 early 2009 it was next to impossible to get a finance industry loan. Suppliers at this time that were profitable with solid balance sheet did step in to grant loans to fill financing holes. Same happened in the 1970's.

I'm no accountant, and I don't know the guy or the situation, but, based on this article, I think it's fair to say the guy over-extended himself. And he did so during a period of a definite credit crunch. I would guess only the contractor was willing to loan the money under exhorbitant terms, and he failed to keep them financially happy. If I could predict the future, I would foretell a declaration of bankruptcy on the way. Too bad, it's a great concept and really adds charm to the area. A shame H-D didn't step up, but you can't blame them.

Since we do not know the details or all the facts. It is pure speculation to comment on the case at hand.

But there is something in play here worth commenting on in a meaningful way.

Everything is connected. Nothing exists in a vacuum, my mantra.

The loan is going to be judged upon Illinois Law. This is a major problem when trying to run a business in the USA.

All business, unless otherwise demonstrated as not. Is now really "interstate". With the advent of the internet. You almost have to go out of your way to not cross state lines and entangle your business in multiple sets of laws.

As such. Federal laws regarding commerce and in this case loans. Should govern. NOT Illinois or Wisconsin.

In fact, all laws at they pertain to business, should be stricken from the books of every state. This is one area where we as a nation simply can no longer endure the rat's nest and maze of legalese that is part of 50 states and countless municipal regulations.

While I could bring other areas into this discussion. That just makes it harder to make my case.Focus here and say all BUSINESS wants simplicity. It is the number one argument against regulation.Few people with a brain actually suggest business gets to operate without rules and regulation. We have seen the effect of that when it existed. It is not good.

What we have today is not only burdensome. It is troublesome. As we see here.One entity suggests this is a matter of Wisconsin Law. The Other Illinois.As this drags out in court? The only thing which gets resolved is what color the new car the lawyer will buy is going to be.

This should be a slam dunk based upon a default, or not. Then at what interest rate. Governed by one clear set of laws that apply to all BUSINESS.

Just think.Years in court could have instead been a dismissal which benefits Iron Horse,done. Or the contractor, done.

Does anyone else think it is lawyers who fight central regulation as much (or more) than business?